SBU Says Russia Using 'Honey Traps' to Assassinate Ukrainian Soldiers

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) warned that Russian intelligence services have significantly intensified efforts to assassinate Ukrainian soldiers using “honey traps” – attempts to kill military personnel through fake online dating encounters. The SBU’s military counterintelligence unit on Tuesday said it has foiled more than 50 such assassination attempts since the start of 2026.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. How the honey traps work To lure soldiers into “honey traps,” Russian operatives primarily use dating websites and themed messenger chats, the SBU said. Enemy agents use fake accounts on these platforms to offer soldiers romantic relationships. Russian intelligence then arranges meetings with the soldiers, inviting them to pre-prepared locations for assassination. The most common method is improvised explosive devices planted at the site of the planned attack. Russian operatives also use deadly poisons synthesized from narcotics, psychotropic substances, and other chemicals. Poison in medicine, methadone in a bottle In March 2025, an FSB agent was detained in Kharkiv region after she handed a Ukrainian soldier medicine and food products laced with poison under the guise of “volunteer” assistance. In another case, a Russian agent sent a Ukrainian soldier a bottle containing a drink laced with a lethal dose of methadone. She then suggested he drink the “gift” during an online video date. SBU operatives intercepted the package before the soldier received it. A chemical analysis confirmed the presence of poisonous substances that could have caused death. Other Topics of Interest Russia May Target Water Supply This Winter, Kyiv Warns Shmyhal warned Russia could target Ukraine’s water supply this winter, saying surviving more than three days without water and sewage would be extremely difficult. FSB killer stabbed soldier six times In January 2026, the SBU’s military counterintelligence detained an FSB-directed assassin who attempted to stab a Ukrainian soldier in Zaporizhzhia. According to case materials, Russian intelligence lured the soldier to an industrial area under the pretext of a “date” with a woman from a dating site. Instead, a masked attacker appeared and attacked the soldier from behind, stabbing him six times in the neck, chest, abdomen, and right leg. The SBU detained the attacker and identified the woman who, acting on FSB orders, communicated with the victim from a fake account and lured him to the assassination site. Investigations ongoing The SBU said investigations are ongoing under multiple articles of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, including: Article 111 (treason); Article 115 (premeditated murder); Article 258 (terrorist act); Those convicted face life imprisonment with confiscation of property. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.